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lancees 



A COriEDY IN 



THREE ACTS 



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By Caroline fl. Beaumont 




ST. PAUL, niNN. 



«895 



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Mr. SCHUYLER'S Fiancees 



A Comedy in Three Acts 



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Caroline M. Beaumont 






'A?V»l>*^ 






st. paul, minn: 

The McGill Printing Co. 

1895. 






Copyright 1895 
By Caroline M. Beaumont. 

^11 T^ights T{eserved. 



Mr. Schuyler's Fiancees 



A. COiVIEDY IN THREE ACTS 



Caroline M. Beaumont 



CHARACTERS 

MRS. LESLIE A widow, fair, forty and flirtatious 

MISS CONSTANCE LANGDON . One of the Boston four hundred 

MISS JANE PEARCE 

Her aunt, a spinster with memories of youthful days 

MISS LOTTIE LAMB ... A model, and a member of Bohemia 

MR. HENRY SCHUYLER A widower 

MR. JOHN SCHUYLER .... 

His son, an artist, and the hero of the piece 

MR. RICHARD SHERWOOD Also an artist 

JAMES GRANT .... A man-servant with a good memoiy 



ACT I. 

The Scene is laid in the studio of Mr. Richard Sher- 
wood and Mr. John Schuyler in New York city. The 
room is full of pictures, hangings, easy chairs, curios; 
table in the centre, side-table on which stands a decanter 
and glasses; an easel on either side, upon one of which 
is an unfinished canvas. There is a door at the back, 
another at the left, at the right is a door-way in which 
a heav3' curtain is hung. When the curtain goes up Mr. 
Richard Sherwood is discovered, standing in front of 
the unfinished picture with his hands in his pockets. 
Lott^' comes in with her hat on, parasol in her hand, 
and drawing on a pair of gloves. 

Lotty. Well, we've had a very jolly afternoon, 
and I suppose I must be going; when do you 
expect Ja— , Mr. Schuyler? 

Dick. Very soon, in fact I should not be at all 
surprised if he turned up to-night. 

Lotty. Yes, he's due to-night, for I'm to sit 
for him to-morrow as 

Dick. Yes, as what, an angel? 

Lotty. No, a saint; this way, (she crosses her 
hands and throws her eyes up) seraphic expression 
about the mouth, so ! Eves full of 

Dick. Of the devil, I suppose. 

Lotty. (Smiling) No, of tears ; unshed tears, 
you know; mouth 

Dick. Full of beer? 



Lotty. (Laughing and going toward door.) 
Oh, you are a nice one, you are, beer for a saint! 
Well, I'm off; when shall I see you again? 

Dick. (Walking about.) Can't say, I'm sure, 
I'm thinking of going away myself, when Jack 
gets back. 

Lotty. (Near the door back.) Very well, good 
by, I'll drop in later to see if Mr. Schuyler wants 
me to-morrow. (She is at the door.) 

Dick. (Sits down and lights his pipe.) Good bye. 

Lotty. Ta-ta! (Exit Lotty.) 

Dick. If anybody had told me I would be as 
bored having a good time as I was to-day, I 
wouldn't have believed it, (noise is heard) there's 
some one, I hope that young woman hasn't for- 
gotten something and is returning; (door at back 
opens and Jack comes in; deposits his, hat, um- 
brella and bag upon the table.) 

Dick. (Rising.) Halloa! 

Jack. How are you ? 

Dick. I'm downright glad to see 3^ou back, old 
man. 

Jack. What's been on here? I saw Miss Lotty 
Lamb disappearing round the corner. 

Dick. Oh, I had a little tea, — for Bohemia 3'ou 
know. 

Jack. Same crowd, I suppose? 

Dick. Yes, the ver^^ same. Well are \^ou glad to 
get back? 



Jack. No, not in the least. 

Dick. (Smiling.) Oh, don't mind me, say any- 
thing you please. What's the matter, what do 
you mean? 

Jack. (Drawing off his gloves.) I mean that 
I'm through with that Lotty and Dotty crowd, 
that's what I mean. 

Dick. Oh ho, through with me too, I suppose 
that means 

Jack. I beg your pardon, old man, I don't mean 
that I'm through with you at all; but if you were 
in the hole, the fix that I'm in, you'd feel as I do. 
Well I'll tell you all about it. 

Dick. That's right, that's right; I knew there 
was something up the minute I laid my eyes on 
you ; father been cutting up rough ? 

Jack. No, no, that is not yet, but he will of 
course. Oh, I'm in the devil of a hole, I am ! (He 
walks to the side table, and pours a drink ; Dick 
does the same; both standing with glass in hand.) 
You know when I left here, I onh^ expected to see 
the family, my aunt and sister, — Polly you know, — 
up at Newburgh, but when I got there, I found 
Polly had a house-party, friends from Boston; 
well, Dick, one of those girls, oh well, what's the 
use of talking about it? (Puts down glass and 
walks up and down.) 

Dick. My dear fellow, you needn't sa^^ another 
word, I see it all, pretty girl, moon, spoon, and — 



Jack. (Angril}'.) Shut up, you ass, and let me 
tell you ; I've got to tell somebody or burst. 

Dick. Well, don't burst here; just go on, and 
out with it. (He puts .his glass down. ) 

Jack. (Stopping in front of him.) Well, you 
ought to see that girl; what a fool I am; I'm in 
love with her, that's the long and short of it, and 
how in — blazes I'm going to get her beats me. 
(He walks across the room, and throws hise3^es up 
in rapture.) Constance! Constance, that's her 
name, pretty, isn't it? 

Dick. Yes, quite so, but I wish you'd get on 
with 5^our story and leave out the hysterics till 
afterwards. 

Jack. All right, old man, all right, but you 
see 

Dick. How in the devil can I see, till you tell 
me ? Go on. What's the hitch, doesn't she smile ? 

Jack. (Goes to table in center, takes a pipe and 
lights it.) I haven't asked her yet ; I stayed there 
until she left for Boston, then I came here to tell 
you that I'm going to drop that crowd, that 
we've, well — that we've been entertaining lately, 
and I'm going to settle down. 

Dick. (Also taking pipe and lighting it.) Going 
to settle up, too ? 

Jack. Yes sir, I'm going to do that too; I have 
a picture in my mind that I'm going to begin 
translerring to canvas to-morrow; but if you 



want that Lotty and Dott}^ crowd here; I'll have 
to move out. (He sits.) 

Dick. My dear boy, I don't want them ; they 
bored me to death to-day ; the truth is its hard to 
shake off people of that kind. 

Jack. Yes, that's it; there's nothing wrong 
about them, but ye gods! after the company I've 
been in ! Constance ! 

Dick. Now, I say, won't you quit that; you 
really make me nervous, I'll get out if 

Jack. ^^Smiling.) I won't do it any more, I 
swear I won't, but you see, Dick, a man in my 
state is hardly responsible. 

Dick. (Sitting down.) My dear fellow, I 
haven't the slightest sentiment about lunatics; 
if you're off your head, I'll clap a straight-jacket 
on you and be done with it. • Now see if you can 
tell me what you've started to. 

Jack. I will, old man, I will. I'm invited to her 
aunt's country place in August 

Dick, Well, then, what in the devil are you 
making such a mouth about? I don't see that 
you're in any fix but a pleasant one. 

Jack. (Sighing.) That's because you don't 
know anything about it; my father said he would 
never give me a cent to marry on, and you know 
how much I've painted and how much I've saved 
the last year or two. 



Dick. Fathers' always talk like that; I should 
think yours would put up a good sum to see you 
well married. 

Jack. Well, that's not the worst of it by half; 
she's got money and how can a poor painter ask 
a rich girl to marry him, (rising) but by Jove 
she'll marry me or 

Dick. Now there you go again, and you said 3^ou 
wouldn't. I think you're a ver\^ lucky dog, my- 
self. 

Jack. (Laughs bitterly.) Do you? Well, I 
think I'm the biggest fool unhung; you see, old 
chap, there's another obstacle. 

Dick. Is there? Well, out with it, only try and 
stick to your story. 

Jack. I will, I'll tell 3^ou all about it, and 3^ou 
say just what you think. (He sits down again; 
Dick rises and refills his pipe.) 

Dick. Fire away, I'm listening. 

Jack. Well, sir, when I was twent\^-one (and 
by the way, a iellow at that age ought to have a 
nurse ) I went up to Lake George for a couple of 
months in the summer; I was just graduated, and 
thought I knew it all. Well, there was a gay 
crowd there, and among them a widow, a Mrs. 
Leslie 

Dick. Good-bye to little Jacky ! 

Jack. Well, sir, I tell you she was a regular 
stunner, about thirty-five, looked twentv-five, 



10 



fascinating and very good fun. I verily believe 
that woman would have made eyes at a wooden 
man ! Well, you see I thought I was regularly 
done for! I vowed eternal constancy and she 
smiled ; the upshot of it was that I told her I'd 
jump in the lake if she wouldn't have me, so to 
save my life, she said she'd consent to an engage- 
ment. 

Dick. (Smiling.) Very kind of her ! 

Jack. Yes, damned kind ; but one night I found 
her with another fellow holding her hand, and I 
cut up rough ; she said she must be allowed to go 
her own way, that she liked me best, etc., you can 
imagine the rest. 

Dick. I think I can ; you grovelled and she con- 
tinued to flirt. 

Jack. Just so ; then one day I happened to men- 
tion that I had a letter from my father, and she 
remarked it was about time I wrote him and told 
him of my engagement; somehow it grated, and 
that night I got to thinking what an almighty 
fool I was, and I hate a scene so, that I just got 
up early the next morning and vanished ! 

Dick. (Goes into fits of laughter.) Well,— of all 
— the — asses — I ever — 

Jack. (Never smiles.) I fail to see anything 
funny about it. Yes, sir, I bolted. She was from 
Boston. 



11 



Dick. (Still laughing. ) The devil she was I But 
you were such a young chap then. 

Jack. (Rising.) I was a young tool then. (Ex- 
citedly.) I tell you, Sherwood, if I ever saw that 
old woman again, I'd cut and run for it, 1 believe 
I would. 

Dick. I advise you to ; but what has that to do 
with the present affair? 

Jack. Well, you see, since I've met — Miss Lang- 
don — I've realized what a shabby thing I did, and 
for all I know that confounded woman ma\^ con- 
sider herself still engaged to me, although I've 
never even heard of her since. But don't 3^ou see 
what a er — blamed fix I'm in ? 

Dick: Couldn't you hunt her up and state the 
case? 

Jack. (Groaning.) Yes, but don't you see, sup- 
pose I could, and suppose I found she, — w^ell, 
wanted to go on with the affair; my last state 
would be worse than m^^ first. 

Dick. Well, upon my word you must consider 
yourself quite irresistible. She's probably been 
engaged a dozen times since then. (Sounds are 
heard.) 

Jack. (Rising.) Sh, Sh, that's probably my 
father. 

Dick. (Rising.) Does he know anything about 
that affair ? 

Jack. Not he; and not a word before him, 
either ; I may be an ass but I'm not a chump. 

12 



Dick. Well, you're the best immitation I ever 
saw. By the way, Lotty will be here presently to 
know if you want her. (Door at back opens and 
Mr. Schuyler appears.) 

Jack. The devil she will ! How are you father? 

Mr. S. So, you've come back; (coming down.) 
How are you, Sherwood ? I'm going to run up to 
Newburgh to-night, so I thought I'd stop in and 
see what you're going to do. 

Dick. (Preparing to go.) Well, I'll toddle 
along, and leave you two to have a talk. ( Takes 
hat and starts.) 

Jack. (Aside to Dick.) Confound you, why 
don't you stay ! 

Dick. (Going.) Good night, Mr. Schuyler. 
(Aside to Jack.) Ta-ta, old chap, look sharp! 
(Exit Dick.) 

Mr. S. Nice chap, that Sherwood, nice chap, 
( standing before easel ) I see he's been painting. 

Jack. Yes, and now that I've had my little holi- 
day, I'm going to work in earnest. 

Mr. S. Glad to hear it, my boy, glad to hear it ; 
you've spent a good many dollars for nonsense in 
your time, and it won't hurt you to settle down, 
(chuckles and pokes him in the side). Who is she? 

Jack. (Very serious.) She! How can I think 
of marriage in my condition? 

Mr. S. (Walking up and down.) That's so, 
how can you, and you'd better not, if you mar- 
is 



ried I'd gain a daughter, instead of losing a son. 
(He laughs.) 

Jack. It will not always be so, sir! 

Mr. S I hope not, I hope not; I'd like to see 
you married to a nice sweet girl, when you can 
support her, that is ; the first year I w^as married, 
3'our mother and I lived on half you've spent in — 
amusing yourself; its all a mistake, all a mistake; 
but you ought not to think of marriage for years 
yet; you're not thinking of it, are you, sir? 

Jack. (Sighing.) No, I'm not thinking of it. 
But won't you sit down ? 

Mr. S, (Coming down.) By the way, have a'-ou 
got that old miniature of your mother ? If ^'^ou 
have I wish jon'd give it to me, I'm going to have 
it enlarged for Polly's birthday. 

Jack. Yes, sir, its in the bottom of my trunk ; 
just sit down and I'll get it for you. 

Mr. S. (Sits at right of table.) Very well, only 
be quick; I'm going up on the nine o'clock train. 

Jack. (Goes toward door at left, then stops.) 
Oh, I sa^^ father. 

Mr. S. Well. 

Jack. You see, sir, before I went away, I en- 
gaged a model for to-morrow, a young woman 
named Lotty. 

Mr. S. Yes, yes, well what about her? 

Jack. Well, er — I have decided to paint from 
memory — a face I've seen, so if that young woman 

14 



should happen to come in while I'm in my room— 
I wish you'd just say to her that— 

Mr. S. (Impatiently) Well, say what to her? 
I wish you'd— 

Jack. Say to her tbat the engagement is off for 
to-morrow; I don't want to see her, you know 
and — 

Mr. S. So, that's it, is it? Oh, I'll tell her for 
you, in a way she'll understand, I'll tell her more- 
over, that's its off for ever; you can paint without 
models. 

lack. (Going. ) Say what you please, only send 
her off. (Exit Jack.) 

Mr. S. This model business is all nonsense, I 
don't approve of it at all. (Walks up and down. ) 
Oh yes, I'll fix her, (stops in centre.) But that 
boy's just like his dad, regular dog, regular dog! 
He'll settle down as I did when he meets a girl 
like his mother, bless her heart ! How I do miss 
her. (Woman's voice is heard outside.) 

Mr. S. Who's that? (Listens.) 

Mrs. L. (Outside.) Mr. Schuyler? Yes, he's 
the one I want to see. Announce me? No, I pre- 
fer to announce myself. (Enters.) How do you 
do ? Mr. Schuyler, is he here ? 

Mr. S. (Bowing.) At your service, madam. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Oh no, I'm sure there is a 
mistake, the Mr. Schuyler I want to see is, well, 

15 



(with a coquettish glance) just a few years 
younger than you. Know him? 

Mr. S. Ah, my son; (aside) Lotty ! The boy's 
a fool, she's magnificent ! 

Mrs. L. Is it possible? It is hard for me to be- 
lieve that you have a son as old as— Jack. (Mr. S. 
Throws his shoulders back and smiles.) 

Mr. S. Yes, I believe I am considered rather 
young looking. But you spoke of— Jack. 

Mrs. L. Yes, I said Jack. 

Mr. S. Well he's younger than he looks, than 
he appears. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Impossible! 

Mr. S. Eh, what? 

Mrs. L. Oh nothing, I thought him quite \^oung 
enough, but old for a son of 3'ours. (Starts.) By 
the way, where is he? 

Mr. S. Yes, well, he's busy. 

Mrs. L. Well, I want to see him. Just say an 
old — friend — would like to see him. 

Mr. S. Oh no, he told me to excuse him. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) But you see he w^asn't ex- 
pecting me. 

Mr. S. Oh yes, he was. (He smiles.) 

Mrs. L. Was he? That's strange. 

Mr. S. Not at all, he left a message for j^ou. 

Mrs. L. (Dropping into a chair.) What? 

16 



Mr. S. He told me, madam, what I can scarcely 
credit since I've laid my eyes upon j^'ou, that he 
didn't want to see you. (Standing in front of her.) 
Could I make myself plainer ? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling and running her eye over him.) 
Not possibly! (He smiles.) 

Mr. S. Do you want my opinion of him, madam? 
(close to her) I think he's a fool, madam, a fool! 

Mrs. L. You are quite right; he is; he's not at 
all like — you ! 

Mr. S. Ah, I told him he could leave it to me. 

Mrs. L. Leave what to you ? 

Mr. S. You, madam ! (With a bow.) 

Mrs. L. My dear old gentleman, (he frowns) 
there is certainly a mistake, your son was not ex- 
pecting me to-day. 

Mr. S. Isn't your name Lotty ? 

Mrs. L. (Astonished.) Lotty? My name is 
Charlotte Leslie. 

Mr. S. (Smiling.) I thought so ! Well, Jack calls 
you Lotty for short. 

Mrs. L. Oh he does, does he? Strange I 
shouldn't know it, isn't it? 

Mr. S. Extremely strange, my dear madam, ex- 
tremely strange. (Goes close to her.) Now if I 
called you — Lotty, you'd know it. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Indeed I would know it. 
But vou see — 



17 



Mr. S. Yes, I see, what ? 

Mrs. L. You'll never call me — Lotty. (Laughs.) 
Come now, there's a dear man, go and tell 
Jack I want to see him ; I have something to tell 
him that I know he'll be glad to hear. 

Mr. S. Oh no, I will give you his message. 

Mrs. L. Oh now, I know^ you've made a mis- 
take, he couldn't have left a message for me. . 

Mr. S. Do you mean to impugn my veracity, 
madam ? He said — 

Mrs. L. Yes, that's so, what did he say? 

Mr. S. He said: ''Father, if Lotty comes—" 

Mrs. L. (Interrupting.) Yes, he said : "Father, 
if Lotty comes — " go on . 

Mr. S. I was endeavoring to go on when you in- 
terrupted me, he said — 

Mrs. L. Well, I won't interrupt you any more, 
go on. 

Mr. S. I trust not, its not pleasant to be — 

Mrs. L. (Stamping her foot.) Go on ! 

Mr. S. I am going on if you will allow me; he 
said '' tell Lotty that it is—" 

Mrs. L. It is! What is? 

Mr. S. That is just what I am trying to tell 
you — 

Mrs. L. Well, goon! 

Mr. S. "Tell Lotty that the engagement is off 
for" — 



18 



Mrs. L. Oh, he said that, did he? He said that. 

Mr. S. Yes, its all off. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) You're sure its off? 

Mr. S. Yes its off, for ever. My son has stop- 
ped fooling and settled down. 

Mrs. L. Has he? Now you don't say? Well, 
I'll vSettle down with him ! 

Mr. S. Eh, what? 

Mrs. L. Nothing, nothing, but you know I came 
to say — 

Mr. S. Yes, what did you come for? 

Mrs. L. I came here to say that its all off, too, 
but on secimd thought I believe that you can tell 
him for me that its all on, you see I sometimes 
change my mind. 

Mr. S. You could do more, madam, you could 
change mine. 

Mrs. L. Could I? Too bad that Jack is not 
more like 3^ou. I somehow think it would be 
easier. 

Mr. S. Eh, what would be easier? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Oh, everything, you know, 

Mr. S. No, I don't know, I wish I did. (She 
goes close to him.) 

Mrs. L. Ho^v very black your hair is ! 

Mr. S. (Smiling.) Do you think so? I don't 
look like an old man, do I? (Aside.) She's a 
damned fine woman, thaVs what she is. 

Mrs. L. No, but you look like a very— 



19 



Mr. S. Ver3^ what now ? 

Mrs. L. Very nice man! (Lottv appears at 
back.) 

'Lottj. Oh ho, what's this? I thought Mr. 
Schuyler had come. But this is — company. 

Mr. S. (Bows.) To whom have I the pleasure 
of speaking? 

Mrs. L Yes, who is this young person? 

Lotty. ( With a glance at both and imitation 
of their manner.) And who are these old people? 

Mrs. L. Good, little girl I 

Mr. S. What did you sa_y your name was? 

Lotty. I did not say; come, old man, where's 
Jack? ' 

Mr. S. Well, upon my word, do you mean Mr. 
John Schuyler? 

Lotty. Perhaps I do; just tell him I want to 
see him. 

Mr. S. What name shall I say ? 

Lotty. Say LottA^ and he'll understand. 

Mr. S. (Looking from one to the other bewil- 
dered.) Lotty! Great Heavens, what does this 



mean 



Mrs. L. Oh ho, so there was a Lotty! My 
good child, don't you think you've made a 
mistake ? 

Lottie. No, my good woman, I don't think I 
have. Mr. Schuyler is a — friend of mine. 

Mr. S. (Turning to Mrs. L.) And may I ask, 
madam, who 3^ou are ? 

20 



Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Certainly 3^011 ma}^ ask. 

Mr. S. Well? 

Mrs. L. Well. 

Mr. S. Will you tell me who you are, my clear 
madam ? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Certainly, 1 am Mr. Jack 
Schuyler's fiancee! (Lotty and Mr. S. much as- 
tonished.) You'd better ask him to come out and 
see me. 

Lotty. (To Mr. S.) .Oh, bah! Don't believe 
her; Jack knows better than to marry his grand- 
mother! 

Mr. S. There is some terrible mistake! I have 
never heard Jack speak of you, madam. 

Mrs. L. Now you must admit that is not my 
fault — father! (She laughs and he groans.) I told 
Jack it would be wise to tell you. Come go and 
tell him that Lotty and — a friend, want to see 
him. 

Mr. S. (Going toward door.) Yes, he shall 
come in here and untangle this affair. (At the 
door at left.) Jack! 

Mrs. L. Lest the suddenness of my appearance 
might upset the dear boy, I will just stand behind 
this curtain. (She gets behind the curtain at 
right; head out.) 

Jack. (Appears at door left ; sees Lotty.) What 
is it? Excuse me sir, I haven't found the picture 
yet. (Disappears.) 

21 



Mr. S. (Angrily.) Confound the boy ! To leave 
me with two women on my hands. Jack, I say ! 

Mrs. L. (Head otit from the curtain.) Dear 
Jack! If he only knew I was here! (Dick comes 
in at back.) 

Dick. Oh here you are, Lotty. You haven't 
gone, Mr. Schuyler. Where's Jack ? 

Mrs. L. (Putting her head out.) That's just 
it, we're waiting for — dear Jack! 

Dick. (Much astonished.) Who is that lady? 
And what is she doing in there ? 

Mr. S. I don't know who she is, but I think she 
is, (touches his head.) 

Mrs. L. I'll tell you why I am here, Mr. 

Dick. (Bowing.) Sherwood. 

Mrs. L. Sherwood, oh yes, very happy to meet 
you, Mr. Sherwood, you see I'm-er-engaged to 
Jack, and I came in here for fear the sudden sight 
of me would upset him. 

Lotty. He's changed if it would. 

Dick. (Laughing.) Oh I see. (Aside.) The 
widow's turned up, by Jove! Now he's in for it! 
(To her.) Won't you have a seat, Mrs. Leslie. 

Mrs. L. (Coming out.) How did you know 
me, Mr. Sherwood? I suppose you've heard Jack 
speak of me. 

Dick. Yes, he wa? speaking of you onU' to-day. 

Mr. S. Well, well, upon my word, I like this, 
my only son engaged, and I not know it. 

22 



Lotty. There's a mvsteryhere and I'll just stay 
and see it out. 

Dick. Well, you see — 

Mr. S. No, sir, I don't see, I don't see, I 

Mrs. L. (To Dick.) Oh Mr. Sherwood, how 
much you look like an old beau of mine. 

Lotty. Well, how many more does she want? 

Dick. (Becoming nervous.) No, no, you've 
made a mistake, lovely day isn't it? So bright I 
think it w411 — rain. (Aside.) Not me! 

Mr. S. (At the door at left.) Here he comes, 
now I'll have an explanation of this affair. 

Mrs. L. (Going behind curtain again.) Oh he's 
coming; now I'll surprise him, don't you think 
he'll be surprised to see me, Mr. Sherwood ? 

Dick. (Smiling.) Just a little! . 

Lotty. She's a queer party, she is. 

Mr. S. (Leading Jack in.) Now sir, I want to 
know what this means, sir, here are two — (Mrs.L. 
puts out her hand and pulls his coat tail, Jack's 
back is toward her.) Oh! 

Jack. (Seeing Lotty.) Oh, the devil! Dick- 
Dick, I wash my hands of this affair. You're in 
for it. 

Jack. I don't see why. Now father, what's the 
row about? 

Mr. S. Oh, you're very innocent, you are — 

Lotty. (Interrupting.) Your fiancee is here, 
Mr. Schuvler. 



23 



Jack. (Astonished.) M}^ what is here? 

Mr. S. The lady you're engaged to sir, and Fd 
like to know sir,— 

Lotty. And she's an elderly person. 

Mrs. L. (Puttino: her head out and speaking to 
Dick; Jack does not see her.) An elderly person ! 
Now, Mr. Sherwood, I'm sure you wouldn't call 
me that ? 

Dick. (Smiling.) Never! 

Jack. An elderly person, what are \'Ou talking 
about ? 

Mr. S. To think my onW son should so deceive 
me. Do you deny you are engaged to this lady? 

Jack. What lady? Of course I deny it, I don't 
even know what you are talking about. 

Lotty. Well, Mr. Jack Schuyler, you are the — 

Jack. Come now, what is the matter? I'm not 
engaged to anybody, that is not yet! 

Mrs. L. (Throwing curtain aside.) Jack! 
Don't vou remember me? 

Jack. (Aghast.) My god! The widow! (He 
falls into a chair.) 

Lotty. So he does know her. 

Dick. (To Jack.) Get up, I'll stand by you. 

Mr. S. Oh my son, I thought you were a truth- 
ful boy ! 
Jack. Oh sir, its all a mistake, I can explain — 

24 



Mrs. L. (To Dick.) Dear Jack! He was thor- 
oughly overcome when he saw^ me ! 

Dick. Utterly so ! 

Mr. S. What have you to say for yourself, sir? 

Mrs. L. No, I'll explain, (going to Mr. S.) Now 
don't be hard on Jack; you see it was this way. 
When your son was some years younger we met, and 
we loved, didn't we Jack? (he groans) or we met, 
and he loved, I've always loved — someb dy. And 
well, something happened and we separated ; so 
I came here to day to tell Jack that it was all over, 
but the sight of his — surroundings you know, 
fascinated me, old times came back, and remember- 
ing how he loved me, eh Jack? (he groans) I 
changed my mind and decided to make him happy, 
that's all there is to it, I assure you. 

Jack. That's quite enough. Yes, father, Mrs. 
Leslie and I are old friends, but, (speaking to Mrs. 
L.) you see, here's Lottj^. 

Mrs. L. Well, what's she got to do with it? 

Jack. (To Lotty.) You'll never give me up, will 
you, Lotty? (Aside.) Say you'll never give me 
up, and I'll explain afterwards. (Loud.) We're 
going to be married, aren't we Lotty, and have a 
nice little home right in the middle of the lake, 
aren't we, Lotty? 

Lotty. (Understanding.) Yes, ma'am, I'll 
never give him up, he's my first and only love, 
aren't you Jack? 

2r> 



Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Why, Jack, don't you re- 
member what you said to me that night, vou 
said — 

Jack. Never mind what I said. 

Dick. (Smilmg.) Yes, what did he say? 

Mr. S. Made a fool of himself, I'll be bound, he 
seems to have a genius that way. 

Mrs. L. Why don't you remember 3^ou said : my 
darling, I would give up everything for you, (she 
imitates his tones) home, family, (he groans) 
everything that I hold dear; I would climb the 
highest mountains, swim the deepest rivers — 

Jack. Oh come now, I say ; remember Lotty. 

hottj. Yes, remember me; Jacks little me! 

Dick. Go on, Mrs. Leslie, that was lovely. 

Mrs. L. (Handkerchief to her eyes, but smil- 
ing.) Its the memory of those happy days that 
has come to me since I've been here. Yes, Jack, 
you said — 

Mr. S. (Furious.) Never mind what he said, 
madam. He was an ass, that's what he w^as. 
I'm disgusted w^ith you, sir, and I wash my hands 
of you sir, you can paddle your own canoe; en- 
gaged to two women at once, it's outrageous sir! 

Jack. Oh you don't understand, there's only 
Lotty, isn't there, Lotty? (puts his arm about 
her). 

Lotty. Yes, there's only me, and w^hat more do 
you want, — dear Jack ! 

26 



Mrs. L. (Goes and puts his other arm about 
herself.) Don't forget me, dear Jack ! 

Lotty. (Looking round back of Jack.) Go 
away, you horrid bold woman! 

Mrs. L. (Looking round in front of Jack.) 
Don't be cross, there's a good little girl; you can 
be his — second wife! 

Jack. Dick, I say — 

Dick. (Going.) Sorry, old man, but I must be 
goin^. Ta-ta. you're well fixed. 

Mr. S. Well, I'm off; you're a rascal, sir; I'll 
not forget this. (He goes toward the door). 

Mrs. L. (Laughing.) Good by — father ! 

Lotty. Ta-ta — papa! 

Jack. Really you know, I must be going, come 
Lotty! (He tries to get away, they chase him 
round the room, and catching him, the curtain 
falls with one of the women on either side, and 
the two men laughing in the back ground). 



CURTAIN. 



27 



ACT II. 

The scene is laid at the country house of Miss Jane 
Pearce, at Beverly, Mass., and three months is supposed 
to have elapsed. The curtain goes up upon the hall or 
living room of the house. In the background is the 
entrance, two glass doors through v^'hich are seen the 
pillars of a piazza, and green fields in the distance. There 
is a door at the right, another at the left; the room is 
furnished with comfortable chairs, a lounge at the left; 
a fire-place at the right; matting and rugs upon the 
floor; a tea-table in one corner, upon which is a tea 
service; a library table in the centre upon which are 
books, ink-stand, papers, a fan, etc. When the curtain 
goes up, James, the man-servant, is discovered dusting 
and putting things to rights. 

James. That Miss Pearce is the queerest, nicest, 
little old lad}^ I ever saw, and the work's eas}^ and 
Lotty is a nice girl; yes. I think I will stay, as 
long as Lotty is here, any way. It was Miss 
Pearce herself who said to me onl}^ this morning, 
*'no more quiet now, James, no more quiet, Miss 
Langdon is going to fill the house with her gay 
friends," but says she, "whatever you do, James, 
3'ou must not forget to give Tabby her milk " she 
is so fond of that cat. (Jack is seen coming up the 
steps with a bag in his hand.) Here's somebody 
nowM (James opens the glass door.) Come in, 
sir. 



28 



Jack. Yes, thank yon, jnst take my bag, (gives 
it to him) and present my card to Miss Langdon 
and her aunt, Miss Pearce. (Gives him card.) 

James. (Takes it.) Yes, sir, have a seat, sir, 
and ril go, sir. (Exit James.) 

Jack. (Alone.) Here I am at last, after that 
terrible experience with those two women in June, 
here I am away from them both, with my picture 
finished and sold, by Jove! (He walks up and 
down.) Constance! (Eyes thrown up in rapture.) 
But it is a mysterious thing what has become of 
that widow, its too much good luck to think I have 
never laid eyes on her since that day, and Lotty 
too has vanished as completely; and here I am 
among strangers, who know nothing of my 
worries, yes, worries, that is the word, and I can 
begin life again, ( fames enters but he does not see 
him, his head is in the air) and free to win that 
angel ! ( He nearly falls over James. ) Oh, yes, beg 
pardon. 

James. Miss Langdon will be down in a few 
minutes, sir. 

Jack. Oh yes, very well. (James lingers.) Well? 

James. (Smiling.) I don't believe you remember 
me, sir! 

Jack. (Putting up single glass.) Can't say I 
do ; never had the pleasure of your acquaintance. 

James. Wh}^ I used to wait on ^^ou up at Lake 
George, five or six years ago. 

29 



Jack. (Groaning.) The devil you did! 

James. Yes, sir, on you and the — er — the lady. 

Jack. Oh, yes, on me and the — er the lady. 

James. How is she, sir? 

Jack. (Thinking a moment.) The lady? Oh, 
she's dead, died very suddenly. 

James. Oh, now, sir, you don't mean to say 
that nice, kind lady is dead ? Now that is too 
bad ; such a kind lady. 

Jack. Yes, she was very — er — kind; kind in her 
to die, you know. (He laughs wildly, and goes 
close to James.) What is your name, my good 
fellow ? 

James. James, sir. 

Jack. (Hand in his pocket ) Well, James, (gives 
him something) I want you to make it a point to 
forget — Lake George. 

James. Smiling and putting something in his 
pocket.) Nothing easier, sir, I have forgotten — 
Lake George. 

Jack. That's right, that's right; now James, 
think, did you ever hear of a lady who has since 
died? 

James. (Fervently.) Never, sir, never, God rest 
her soul! 

Jack. That's right, and James, if you ever feel 
while I am here, your memory returning, just 
come to me and I'll drive everything out of your 

30 



mind. (Some one is heard coming.) Go, now, 
James, I hear Miss Langdon coming, and don't 
forget ! 

James. (Going.) I'll not forget, sir. I mean I'll 
not remember, sir. (Exit James at left; enter 
Constance at right.) 

Constance. Oh, Mr. Schuyler, how do you do? 
But where's Polly ? 

Jack. How do you do, Miss Langdon? (He 
takes her hand, holds it a moment then drops it.) 
Well, you see Polly was taken ill at the last 
moment and couldn't come. 

Constance. Oh, I'm so sorry, I did hope Polly 
would come. 

Jack. Well, yes, I hoped so too, but I thought 
I'd come — 

Constance. (Smiling.) Yes, I see that you've 
come. 

Jack. I hope, Miss Langdon, that you do not 
object to my having come without her? 

Constance. Oh, no, I think aunt Jane will be 
very glad to see you. 

Jack. And aren't you at all glad to see me? 

Constance. (Bustling about and going to tea- 
table.) Oh, now, I know you're tired from your 
journey and I'm going to make you a cup of tea. 

Jack. How kind ; but you didn't say whether 
you were glad to see me ? 

31 



Constance. Oh, of course, I've tlK)ught of j^oti 
so often since we met — in June. 

Jack. That makes me very happy — 

Constance. Yes, every time I look at my — pug 
I think of you. 

Jack. (Stiffly.) Well, Miss Langdon, I fail to 
see — 

Constance. (Smiling.) Oh, you know, you said 
you'd show me how to make him retrieve, fetch 
and carry — you know. 

Jack. Yes, but you seem to forget what a slave 
I was to you all those three weeks (she sits down 
at tea-table, he is standing near) and I've lived on 
the thought of it ever since. 

Constance. Sit down now, I'm going to pour 
your tea. (She rattles the cups, he stands watching 
her.) Why don't you sit down ? 

Jack. Oh, yes, I forgot all about — sitting down. 
(He sits.) Oh, how good it is to see you again, 
I've thought of nothing but — 

Constance. (Smiling.) Cream and sugar? 

Jack. Yes, if you pleavse; but I was saying, 
when we were together at Newburgh — 

Constance. Oh yes, that's w^here we met, isn't it? 

Jack. Yes, that's where we met, and do ^^ou 
remember that night we were out in the boat and 
the moon w^as shining down on 3^ou and I said — 

Constance. (Interrupting; tongs in hand.) Two 
lumps? 

32 



Jack. No, I didn't; oh yes, two if you please, 
but the boat you know, I said — 

Constance. You said you'd show me about the 

pug- 
Jack. Oh no, I said something else — 

Constance. Lemon? 

Jack. Oh yes, yes, but I said — 

Constance. Yes, but what did I say ? 

Jack. (Fervently.) Yes, what did you say ? 

Constance. (Handing him cup.) I said it was 
time we were going in ! (She laughs.) 

Jack. (Rising, cup in hand and going to her.) 
Yes, and then what did I say? 

Constance. Oh how can I remember all the 
things you said, I know I thought at the time — 

Jack. Yes, you thought what? 
' Constance. That you w^ere quite a talker. 

Jack. Constance ! How can you torture me so ? 

Constance. Be careful, you'll spill your tea. 

Jack. Confound the tea! I beg your pardon, 
but really — (He gulps it down.) Oh its hot! (He 
dances about.) (She laughs.) 

Constance. Now you see ! I knew it was hot. 

Jack. Well, I should say it was hot! (Aside.) 
How can a fellow make love with a burned 
tongue? (To her.) We were saying. Miss Lang- 
don — 



33 



Constance. Let me fill vour cup. 

Jack. (Putting it down.) Not a drop more. 
(He stands near her; she seems nervous.) T will 
say what is in m^^ mind ; since we met in June, 
Miss LangdoUjI've had no end of trouble, and the 
only thing that has kept me alive has been the 
thought of you — 

Constance. Trouble, what kind of trouble? 

Jack. Oh all kinds of trouble; but now thank 
heaven, its all over and I am here with you. (He 
bends over her.) Constance, what did I say to 
you in the boat? That I loved you, darling, I 
loved you then, and I adore you now— (Tries to 
put his arm about her. ) 

Constance. Oh, Mr. Schuyler, what will aunt 
Jane say ? 

Jack. Oh dam — I beg your pardon, but the 
question is this dear, will you say, do you think,— 
oh what am I trying to say, will you take me on 
trial, on probation, while I am here, and test my 
love for you ; you've made a man of me already, 
I've painted hard all summer, and have sold a 
picture; with you, Constance, (he rises) to work 
for, I can win fame ! (bends over her.) Is it yes ? 

Constance. I don't know what to say, what 
shall I say ? 

Jack. I'll tell you what to say ; say "yes. Jack." 
(Voices heard.) 

34 



Constance. (Looking up at him.) Yes Jack. 
(He kisses her several times ; the door at left opens 
and aunt Jane appears, followed by James with 
some logs of wood.) 

Aunt J. Oh, some one has come; Constance, 
dear ! 

Constance. (Rising.) Yes, aunt Jane; this is 
Mr. Schuyler; you remember my saying that 
Polly had a brother who was coming with her; 
Mr. Schuyler, this is — (aunt J. goes up to Jack 
takes one look at him in the face, then faints in his 
arms, exclaiming :) It is ! (James drops the wood 
with a loud bang and general consternation.) 

Constance. Oh, dear, what is it? James, run 
for some water, put her on the lounge, Mr. Schuy- 
ler. (He does .so.) 

Jack. I never saw the lady before, I never have, 
upon my word. 

Constance. (Fanning Miss P.) I see it all now 
— (James comes back.) 

Jack. I'm innocent, I swear it! (Aside.) I 
wonder if she was at Lake George too ! 

Constance. You see, Mr. Schuyler, auntie, once 
long ago was engaged to a Mr. Schuyler, but the 
aifair was broken off in some way and he went to 
New York and married some one else, so naturally 
when she heard you were coming she wondered 
whether you were any relation to her old lover, 
possibly you may bear a resemblance to him; 



35 



there, are you better, auntie dear? (Aunt J. opens 
her eyes and looks about.) 

Aunt J. Yes, dear. 

James. (Aside to Jack.) Is there anything I 
can do for you, sir ? 

Jack. Yes, you can get out ! 

James. (Going.) Yes, sir, I will. (He stops at 
door.) 

Aunt J. (Sitting up. ) Come here, my dear boy. 
(He goes to her and sits beside her.) 
Jack. Very glad to meet you, Miss Pearce. 

Constance. Why auntie, dear, you quite fright- 
ened us. 

Aunt J. Yes, I was overcome by the sight of 
such a resemblance; James! 

James. Yes, ma'am. 

Aunt J. Go up in my room James, and bring 
that blue velvet box off my table. 

James. Yes ma'am. (He goes.) 

Aunt J. (To Jack.) Mr. Schuyler, what is your 
father's name ? 

Jack. My father's name is Henry Schuyler. 

Aunt J. The very same. My Harry! 

Constance. Dear auntie ! 

Aunt J. Oh, child, child, you know nothing of 
love in these days. 
Jack. Oh, now I say, Miss Pearce. 

36 



Aunt J. Truth and constancy are not the 
fashion now. (James comes back, Jack takes 
Constance's hand back of the lounge and kisses it.) 

Jack. We will prove that they are! 

Aunt J. (Taking box from James.) Now you 
may go, James, give Tabby her milk and put a 
fresh ribbon on her. 

James. Yes ma'am. (He goes.) 

Aunt J. Years ago, Mr. Schuyler, (she opens the 
box and takes out some faded flowers and a tin- 
type) there, see how much that looks like you! 
(Jack tries to get his head close to Constance' 
vy^hile they look at it.) 

Constance. It does look like Ja — Mr. Schuyler. 

Jack. Yes, it does. 

Aunt J. (Taking no notice of them.) I loved 
your father, Mr. Schuyler, and he loved me, and 
then one day we had a lover's quarrel ; oh if either 
of you young people ever fall in love, beware of 
those foolish little fallings out. 

Jack. (Fervently.) Indeed we will ! 

Aunt J. And he went away, — he never came 
back ; I should have been very lonely if this child 
had not been left to my care, but — 

Constance. You never loved again, did you 
auntie dear ? 

Aunt J. Loved again? Why of course not, how 
could I? There never was but one man for me, 



37 



and that was (rising) Henry Schu^der! Oh well, 
what's the use of going back so far? How is your 
father, Mr. Schuyler, and — your mother? 

Jack. My mother died four j^ears ago, but my 
father is very well, and a dear old chap. (When 
he says his mother is dead Miss Pearce goes to a 
mirror which hangs on the right, and smooths 
her hair.) 

Aunt J. And your father is alone in the 
world; poor Harry! Well, I'll leave you now, I 
have something to attend to, and Constance, if 
Mr. Schuyler wants something to do, you can go 
and watch the men in the field. 

Constance. Oh we'll find plenty to do, auntie 
dear. 

Jack. Oh yes, there's just lots and lots to do. 

Aunt J. (At the door.) Welcome to my house, 
Mr. Schuyler. (She makes him a courtesy and he 
goes and kisses her hand.) Now, Connie, dear, if 
you go out in the night air you must have a 
shawl, (she turns to go and then turns back again) 
and oh, Constance, I forgot to tell you that I had 
a letter Irom your aunt Charlotte this morning 
asking i( she could come up for a week or two, so 
I wrote at once to say come. 

Constance. Oh I am so glad, aunt Charlotte is 
so jolly. 

Jack. Who is aunt Charlotte? 

Aunt J. Oh yes, and in the postscript, Connie, 

38 



she said she was engaged to a Mr. — somebody, 
you know I can't read her writing, but perhaps 
you can. (She takes a letter out of her pocket, 
puts it on table and goes out.) 

Constance. (Taking up letter.) I'm so glad 
she's coming; aunt Charlotte is the widow of my 
mother's brother, and a very charming woman. 
(Reads the letter aloud.) ''Dear Jane: Don't you 
want to take pity on me and ask me up for a few 
davs? I am simply pining for a sight of you and 
dear Connie — " 

Jack. Oh yes, I can quite understand that, you 
know. 

Constance. Don't interrupt me. (cjoes on read- 
ing.) "I came over here (she writes from Atlantic 
City) and hnd it very dull; will come up on Tues- 
day." (Why that is to-day.) "Affectionately, 
Charlotte. P. S. Tell Connie that i am engaged 
to Mr." what is it? See if you can make it out? 

Jack. (Looking over her shoulder.) It looks 
something like — Smith. 

Constance. Yes, it does, but aunt Charlotte 
wouldn't marry a man named Smith, now I'm 
sure she wouldn't. Sh — Shuler, that's it. 

Jack. (Puts his arm about her.) Yes, it does 
look something like Shuler, doesn't it? 

Constance. Its just like her to put the most 
important thing in the postscript, its — 

39 



Jack. Its just like every woman to do that, but 
I believe — 

Constance. Yes, its Shuler, now we'll put it 
away. 

Jack. (Not moving.) Oh, I'm not half through 
with it 3^et, why its — 

Constance. I know you'll like aunt Charlotte. 
(She looks up at him.) 

Jack. My dear girl, so do I, in fact I feel quite 
fond of her already, but — 

Constance. But what? (Face upturned.) 

Jack. (Kissing her.) Yes. just that. 

Constance. (Walking away.) Oh w^h at shall I 
do with you? Ah ! (She stops as if thinking.) 

Jack. That is just what I am wondering. 

Constance. I have the loveliest idea. (She goes 
to table gets paper and pen. sits down and takes 
the pen and appears to be in a reverie ; Jack fol- 
lows her about.) Dear aunt Jane! Now I'm 
going to — (goes into a reverie.) 

Jack. Going to what ? 

Constance. Oh such a lovely idea, I am going 
to write a letter to — (Begins to write.) 

Jack. To w^hom? 

Constance. To your father. (Writing.) 
Jack. My father! (Aside) The devil! (To 
her.) May I ask — 

40 



Constance. No, you ma^^not ask, you may keep 
perfectly still and give me his address. 

Jack. How can I give it to you if I am to keep 
perfectly still ? Oh come now — 

Constance. (Writing rapidly.) What shall I 
say next? Oh yes, now its nearly done. 

Jack. Would you mind putting a message in a 
postscript ? 

Constance. From you? Oh no, I suppose not, 
but do hurry, (writing) P. S., now what is it? 

Jack. You write it just as I say it. 

Constance. Oh of course, go on. 

Jack. Write "may I have, have" you got that 
down? 

Constance. Yes, Yes, go on. 

Jack. Well, there's only one more word, ''Jack." 

Constance. (Writing.) Jack ? Why that doesn't 
make sense. 
Jack. Read it. 

Constance. (Reading.) 'T.S. May I have Jack?" 
Oh, (Rising.) Mr. Schuyler, how could you spoil 
my letter? And it is so important, and now I'll 
have to write it all over again. 

Jack. (Going to her.) Never mind, dear, give 
it to me, I'll scratch that out and address it, but 
by the way. (he sits down at table.) What's it 

about? 

» 

41 



Constance. Why you see, I've written and 
asked your father to come here for a week, — you 
can guess why ? 

Jack. Well, upon my word I can't, unless, (smil- 
ing) you want to ask him in person. 

Constance. Ask him? For what? 

Jack. For my hand. 

Constance. Well, when I ask for jour hand 
you'll know it. No, I asked him so — oh dear I 
think its the loveliest idea, — I asked him so that 
dear auntie could see her old lover once more! And 
now I'll ring for Lotty (he starts) and have it 
posted at once. 

Jack. Who is Lotty? 

Constance. My maid ; have you written it ? 

Jack. (Rises and gives her the letter and holds 
her hand.) Oh, Constance, dearest, if I was only 
sure of you, sure that nothing would ever part us; 
if I only had the right — (Door at left opens and 
Lotty the model comes in; they start apart, and 
she starts when she sees Jack.) 

Lotty. Why there's Ja — Mr. Schuyler! 

Jack. My God! Lotty! 

Constance. (With her back to him.) Lotty, I 
want you to post this at once. 

Lotty. Yes ma'am ; how do \^ou do, Mr.' 
Schuyler ? 

Jack. Oh, how do you do? 

42 



Constance. What, do you know Mr. Schuyler? 
(Turning to him.) Do you know my maid ? 

Jack. Well, you see, the truth is — (Aside to 
Lotty.) Say something and say it quick, only not 
a word about, you know what. 

Lotty. Well, you see, ma'am, I was once in Mr. 
Schuyler's studio in New York. 

Jack. Yes, you sec, she just happened to wander 
in there one day. 

Constance. Well, you never told me that you 
knew Mr. Schuyler, Lotty. 

Lotty. No ma'am, you see I didn't think it was 
worth mentioning. (Aside.) Is it off ? 

Jack. (Aside.) Well, I should say it was! 

Constance.. Well, Lotty, please post that at 
once. 

Lotty. (Going; to Jack.) How is Mrs.— 

Jack. (Quickly.) She's dead, yes, thank you, 
she's dead. (He makes signs at her not to say any 
more; Constance does not see him.) 

Lotty. Oh poor lady ! (Exit Lotty.) 

Constance. What did she mean by Mrs.— 

Jack. (Smiling nervously.) Oh, she meant — my 
mother. 

Constance. (Severely.) I don't see how you 
can laugh when you speak of your poor dead 
mother. 



43 



Jack. I don't see how I can either, but my dear 
girl I assure you, I feel much more like crying. 

Constance. I hope you do. Oh dear, I have just 
thought of Jacky ! 

Jack. Thought of whom ? 

Constance. Jacky, my pug. (Laughs.) Oh, I 
never thought, that's your name, isn't it? But I 
named him before lever heard of you, indeed I did. 

Jack. (Stiffly.) Well, I would be much indebted 
to you if you changed his name. 

Constance. (Going toward door at back.) I 
will; but the poor little fellow has been shut up 
all this time, poor little Ja — (With a glance at 
Jack.) Toodles! 

Jack. Don't stay long, life is so dreary without 
you — Oh Constance! 

Constance. I'll be back in a minute. (She 
throws him a kiss and goes ; he stands throwing 
kisses at the door she went out of when Lotty 
comes in at left and sees him.) 

Lotty. Oh ho, well that is the latest, is it ? You 
were very well supplied with sweethearts the last 
time I saw you. 

Jack. Oh Lotty, don't remind me of that un- 
happy time. 

Lotty. You needn't imagine, Mr. Schuyler, that 
I wish to think of it myself, you see I've made 
other arrangements since then. 

«> 

44 



Jack. (Putting his hand in his pocket.) I am 
very glad to hear it Lotty, I am indeed, and here's 
a nice present for you ; but would you object to 
telling me how you got here? 

Lottj. Well, you see, sir, I was sitting for a 
gentleman in Boston, when the dull season came 
on, and I answered an advertisement for a lady's 
maid. 

Jack. Oh yes, I see, and you are with the sweet- 
est—oh Lotty, (he goes close to her) I am the 
happiest man ! 

Lotty. Oh \^ou are, well what became of the — 
other one ? 

Jack. (Speaking right in her ear.) I don't 
know ! 

Lotty. La! Don't know! 

Jack. (Very happy air.) And I don't want to 
know? (Aunt J. opens door at right and sees 
them.) 

Aunt J. Oh, is that you, Lotty ? (Looks aston- 
ished.) And Mr, Schuyler! 

Jack. (Leaving Lotty.) The maid had — some- 
thing in her eye. 

Aunt J. (Coming down.) Lotty, did you thank 
the gentleman for taking something out of your 
eye? 

Lotty. No, ma'am. (Bows to Jack.) Thank 
you sir! (He bows.) 

45 



Jack. Oh, that's all right. (Aside.) Not a 
word, remember ! 

Lotty. (Going.) Don't flatter yourself ! (Exit 
Lotty.) 

Aunt J. Where is Connie, my niece ? 

Jack. She went out to get the dog. 

Aunt J. Oh yes, Jacky. 

Jack. Excuse me, his name was Jacky, but now 
its Toodles ! 

Aunt J. Tell mc, Mr. Schuyler, has your father 
grown stout, or is he as slight as he was, and as 
handsome? 

Jack. Well, he's rather inclined to — 

Aunt J. (Quickly.) Not to drink? 

Jack. (Smiling.) Oh no, to stoutness, I was 
going to say. 

James. (Entering at back.) Shall I go down 
to the station to meet the guest ma'am? 

Aunt J. No, it is not necessary, but you must 
be here to take the trunk or bag when my sister- 
in-law comes. 

James. (Going, but stopping by Jack.) Yes 
ma'am. Oh sir, you didn't tell me what the poor 
lady died of? 

Jack. Eh, what are you talking about; you're 
evidently remembering something that never oc- 
curred. (Puts his hand in his pocket; aside.) Get 
out! 

Aunt J. Why James, what do you mean? 

46 



James. Oh yes, I forgot that I had forgotten. 
(Takes money and goes toward door.) 

Jack. (Aside to James.) Confound you, I 
thought I told you to hold your tongue. Now 
lose your memory again! 

James. (Going.) Yes sir; lean never remember 
again sir. (Exit James.) 

Aunt J. Why, what did James mean ? 

Jack. Well I'm sure I don't know. But several 
times since I've been here, he's taken me for a man 
he once met up at Lake George, but of course he 
never met any man up there, I mean he never met 
me up there. And do you know what I think. 
Miss Pearce, I sometimes think that James is a 
little — (touches his head) you know! 

Aunt J. Oh my gracious! You don't say, well 
perhaps I'd better send him off at once. 

Jack. Well, of course I don't mean that I think 
he's at all violent, and if you tried to send him 
away he might become so; but if I were you I 
wouldn't pay much attention to anything he says. 
Aunt J. Why of course, I won't if that's the 
case. Poor James ! He does his work pretty well. 
Insanity is an awful thing, Mr. Schuyler. 

Jack. Yes it is indeed. (Aside.) I ought to 
know, I'm on the verge of it ! 

Constance. (Entering.) Oh here you are. Was 
I gone long ^ (Sees Aunt J.) Oh! 

Aunt J. Now, Connie, how often have I got to 

47 



tell you to wear a wrap when you go out in the 
night air ? 

Constance. Only once more, auntie dear ; I am 
so anxious to see aunt Charlotte, I can hardly 
wait for her to come. 

James. (Entering at right.) The depot carriage 
is coming up the road, ma'am. 

Aunt J. Then she's coming ; call Lotty, James. 

James. Yes ma'am. (Exit James.) 

Constance. Oh that must be she; I'm just dying 
to see her. 

Jack. So am I, just dying. (Noise of wheels is 
heard ; James and Lotty enter. ) 

Constance. Now that aunt Charlotte is coming 
we'll have some fun ; she always stirs things up ! 
(The door at back opens and Mrs. Leslie comes in, 
bag in hand ; They all crowd about her, but Jack, 
and Lotty and James.) 

Mrs. L. (When she enters.) Well, here I am, 
How do you all do ? 

Aunt J. Why Charlotte ! 

Constance. So glad you've come. (The^M^iss.) 

Jack. My God! The widow! (He falls into a 
chair. ) 

Lotty. Why there she is now ! 

James. (Going to Jack.) I thought she was 
dead, sir, is it her ghost ? 

Jack. (Groaning.) I wish it was! 

Mrs. L. Why there's Jack ! How do you do, 

48 



Jack, I'd have come before if I'd known you were 
here. 

Constance. Why aunt Charlotte, do you know 
Jack? 

Mrs. L. Do I know Jack? Well, I should say I 
did ; I'm engaged to Jack, eh Jack ? 

Constance. Engaged to him ? Oh, he's deceived 
me ! (She faints and James catches her. ) 

Aunt J. Then Schuyler was the name in the 
letter ! 

Jack. (Wildly.) No, no, the lady is engaged to 
— my father! 

Aunt J. To Harry ! (She faints and Jack catches 
her.) 

Jack. See what you've done! Oh, you've stirred 
things up ! 

Mrs. L. Why what's the matter? What's the 
matter .'' You're always glad to see me, dear Jack! 
(She laughs.) Oh there is Lotty too, is she en- 
gaged to you now; We're all here, aren't we? 

Lotty. Indeed I'd have you know — 

James. (Turning to Lotty. "I So you were en- 
gaged to him, too — Well, you can go back to him! 

Lotty. Oh James, James ! (She faints too. ) 

Jack. I must go, this is nice, isn't it ? (He starts 
but Mrs. L. catches him and puts her arm in his.) 

Mrs. L. Don't leave me, dear Jack! 

CURTAIN. 



49 



ACT III. 

The scene is laid in the same room as Act second. 
When the curtain goes up Lotty is discovered. 

Lotty. I just wish I'd never seen this house, 
that's what I wish; I've had nothing but trouble 
since I came into it ; and if Mr. Schuyler thinks I 
am going to tell any more lies for him he's mis- 
taken, and as for James, well, I don't blame him 
very much ; suppose some one had come along and 
said he was engaged, I guess I wouldn't like it. 
(James appearsat left with a poker.) Good morn- 
ing, Mr. Grant. 

James. (Stiffly; coming down. ) Good morning, 
Miss Lamb. (He goes and stirs the fire, Lotty 
pretends to be very busy at the opposite side of 
the room ; she turns to look at him just as he 
turns to look at her; both start and look the 
other way.) 

Lotty. If you're waiting for me to make an 
explanation, Mr. James Grant, you'll wait a long 
time. 

James. (Rising.) I'm waiting for nothing, Miss 
Lamb; you are a perfidious woman, (Tragically.) 
Avaunt ! 



50 



Lotty. (Beginning to cry.) I'm not — either, 
and you're a mean — hateful thing, so there! But 
if you think I was — ever engaged to that Mr. 
Schuyler, you're very much mistaken — I just 
hate him. 

James. I have nothing to do with your private 
affairs. Miss Lamb; the lady said, however, that 
you were engaged to him, and she ought to know — 

Lotty. No, it was she, herself— oh, James, 
James — (She cries. ) 

James. You need not think that you can soften 
my heart of stone with your tears; I heard what I 
heard, and I know what I know, and I say, as I 
said at first, avaunt ! 

Lotty. Well, you can go — and ask him — your- 
self. I think — you're real mean. 

James. (At door.) Good by, for— ever ! (Exit 
James.) (door at right opens and Aunt Jane, fol- 
lowed by Constance, comes in.) 

Aunt Jane. Why, Lotty, crying; what's the 
matter? 

Lotty. (Rises and goes to door.) No, ma'am, 
I'm — vSneezing. (Exit Lotty.) 

Aunt J. My dear child, I wish yon would tell 
me what the matter is? 

Constance. Oh, auntie, dear, I feel very badly, 
verv badly ; if yon had the weight on your sout 
that I have on mine, yon would not wonder at 
my depression. 

51 



Aunt J. But I have, my dear, I have; I was so 
happy yesterday to meet Henry's son, and hear 
about him, and then last night to hear that he 
was engaged, and to your Aunt Charlotte. 

Constance. (Surprised.) Why, what do you 
mean. Auntie? Aunt Charlotte is engaged to 
Ja — young Mr. Schuyler. 

Aunt J. Eh, What ? Why, didn't you hear him 
say it was his father ? 

Constance. No, I didn't; so he said it was his 
father, well, (Smiling.) then Jack is free! 

Aunt J. So you and Mr. Schuyler are in love, 
well, my dear child, I hope things will go smoother 
for you than they did for me ; but oh, I was so 
surprised, to think that Harry is engaged again ! 

Constance. Poor auntie! (Kissing her.) But 
didn't you think that everybody acted rather 
queerly when Aunt Charlotte arrived ? 

Aunt J. Yes, but it was all so mixed up, and 
we were so surprised that she knew Mr. Schuyler, 
and he started shooting this morning before I 
could ask him anything. 

Constance. I hope he won't shoot himself. 

Aunt J. Oh, Connie, dear, I trust this young 
man is good enough for you. 

Constance. (Absent-mindedly.) I hope so, I'm 
sure. 

Aunt J. There is one thing that worries me; 
when your Aunt Charlotte came in she seemed to 

52 



know Lotty, and said something in a laughing 
manner about her being engaged to Mr. Schuyler 
— to Jack. 

Constance. (Jrowning.) Did she? Oh, dear, 
dear, I'm afraid he's deceiving me; yes, it all 
comes back now, he seemed to know Lotty when 
she came in, and said she had once been in his 
studio. I'm afraid he's a monster! 

Aunt J. Yes, I'm afraid he's a monster! (Door 
at left opens and aunt C. comes in.) Good morn- 
ing, Charlotte. 

Mrs. L. Good morning, Jane, and Connie. 

Constance. (Stiffly to Mrs. L.) Good morning. 
(To aunt J.) Well, auntie, I'll go up stairs and 
finish my letters and if Mr. Schuyler comes in and 
asks for me, just tell him I have a headache (at the 
door) and can't go rowing with him as I promised. 
(Exit Constance.) 

Aunt J. Very well, dear; poor child, poor child ! 

Mrs. L. What's the matter with her? (Takes 
some embroidery out of her pocket and sits down.) 

Aunt J. Well, Charlotte, I'm afraid she's in love. 

Mrs. L. You may well say, ''poor child," if she's 
in love. (Sighing.) Its a dreadful disease! 
(Smiling.) 

Aunt J. (Sighing.) I never regarded it as a 
disease, Charlotte. 

Mrs. L. I have, always, a very dangerous dis- 
ease, with bad symptoms, and very contagious, 

53 



but not necessarily fatal, at least it never was 
with me. (Smiles pleasantly.) 

Aunt J. Well, you see, Charlotte, I once had the 
disease, and it was fatal with me. I've never 
gotten over it. But I don't suppose (sighing) that 
you ever loved as I did. 

Mrs. L. Oh, (smiling) bless your heart, yes. 
several times ! 

Aunt J. (Serious.) Oh then it was not the real 
thing, for the fatal case is usually a first love. 

Mrs. L. First love, let me see if I can remember 
my first love! (Puts down her work, and counts 
on her fingers, lips moving, aunt J. watches her.) 
Oh yes, I remember now, (sighing) yes, I remember 
now. 

Aunt J. (Full of sympathy.) Oh, Charlotte, 
did he die ? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Die? Oh no, I married him ! 

Aunt J. Happy woman! But I suppose it 
touches a very sore spot for me to speak of him ? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Oh no indeed, not at all. 

Aunt J. I know how you mourned him ! (She 
sighs.) 

Mrs. L. Yes, I wore black for two years, and to 
tell the truth it was very becoming; and I wore 
lavender and grey for three more, you see lavender 
was always my color. 

Aunt J. You must have been very lonely, Char- 
lotte. 

54 



Mrs. L. Yes, I was at first, because I could not 
have much company, but since I've gotten on very 
well. (Sighing.) But love is a strange thing. 

Aunt J. Yes, it is, but a holy thing, a beautiful 
thing. When I w^as a girl, Charlotte, I loved too, 
and I love him yet ! 

Mrs. L. (Astonished; putting down her work.) 
Not the same man ? 

Aunt J. The same man, why, of course; for 
thirty years ! 

Mrs. L. Well, Jane, I'd like to see that man. 
You don't happen to have a picture of him about 
anywhere, have you ? 

Aunt J. You have seen him, and you — er — you 
know him very well, his name is Henry Schuyler ! 
(Aunt J. goes to her.) Do you think, Charlotte, 
that you are good enough for him ? 

Mrs. L. No, Jane, if you've loved him for thirty 
years, I don't think I am ; but you — 

Aunt J. (Sighing.) Yes, you were speaking 
about Mr. Leslie, you were very brave to rise 
above it, Charlotte. 

Mrs. L. Above it? What was that? 

Aunt J. Why the death of your husband you 
know. 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Oh yes, of course; but Mr. 
Leslie was a good man and he was ready to go, 
he longed for rest ! And I never worry v^hen good 



55 



people die, and Mr. Leslie was so good ! Constance 
is so like her uncle. 

Aunt J. Poor child, I did hope that things would 
go smoothly for her. 

Mrs. L. Who is the young man upon whom she 
has set her affections ? 

Aunt J. Well, you see, I'm afraid its Mr. Schuy- 
ler. 

Mrs. L. ( starts and drops her work ) Jack ! 
What makes you think so ? 

Aunt J. Well, there are signs, you know, and 
ever since she came back from visiting his sister, 
up on the Hudson, I've noticed a change in her, 
and when you came in last night, and said, by 
mistake of course, I suppose you got the names 
mixed, that you were engaged to him, don't you 
remember that she fainted away before she heard 
that it was— er Henry Schuyler that you were to 
marry and not the son ? 

Mrs. L. Oh she didn't hear that? (aside) I 
didn't hear that myself! 

Aunt J. Oh, if I could only bring them together 
and make it all right. 

Mrs. L. (Rising and thinking a moment.) 
Don't you worry yourself, Jane, I'll bring them 
together, that is— if he wants her, are you sure he 
wants her? 

Aunt J. Yes, I'm pretty nearly sure, Charlotte, 

56 



and you know I've had some experience in these 
matters, and so have you. 

Mrs. L. Yes, I have, a good deal, in these mat- 
ters (going to her) now, Jane, don't give it 
another thought, if Constance wants Jack she 
shall have him. (Aside.) There are so many 
Jacks in the world ! (She laughs. ) 

Aunt J. What did you say, Charlotte? 

Mrs. L. I said you were a dear old love, and 
not to worry yourself another minute; Constance 
shall have Jack ! 

Aunt J. You are so good, Charlotte; but of 
course you wouldn't want to have Jack about 
when you're married to — Henry. 

Mrs. L. Eh ? Who's Henry ? 

Aunt J. Why, the gentleman you're going to 
marry. 

Mrs. L. Oh yes, of course, (smiling) no, I 
wouldn't want Jack about when I'm married to 
— Henry ! 

Aunt J. You have a good heart, Charlotte. 

Mrs. L. (Kissing her.) Now, Jane, don't 
bother your head about anything, I'll go and find 
Constance, and make everything all right. (She 
goes to door at back.) Have confidence in me ! 

Aunt J. I have, Charlotte, I have, great confi- 
dence. I believe you are sincere ! 

Mrs. L. (Looks surprised.) I wish you'd give 
me your picture! (She laughs; standing at the 

57 



door.) I wish I was as sincere as 3^011 are, Jane, 
I wish I'd loved somebody for thirty years; but 
times have changed, and we do those things better 
now ; we sometimes love thirty times for — one 
year each, but you see the old way was best, truth 
and constancy, Jane, you exemplify them, while I 
—well I represent the spirit of the end of the cen- 
tury ! (Going.) Don't worry, Constance shall 
have Jack ! ( She goes laughing.) 

Aunt J. Such a good heart as she has ; but I 
wonder what she wanted my picture for; I 
haven't had any taken since that daguerrotype I 
had done for Harry; oh well, this is a queer 
world. ( Mr. Schuyler comes in at back, she turns 
and sees him. ) Harry ! 

Mr. S. (They shake hands.) Jane! 

Aunt J. (Very much flustered.) So glad to 
see you again, how long is it since we've met, — 
Mr. Schuyler? 

Mr. S. Call me Harry; its like old times, Jane; 
its nearly thirty years since I left here, and in that 
time I've had a good deal of sorrow and a good 
deal of joy ; but Jane, how have you been ? 

Aunt J. (Smiling.) I'm just as 3^ou left me, 
Harry. 

Mr. S. Well, well, I'm glad to be here. 

Aunt J. I suppose you came up to see the lady 
— vou're engaged to? 

58 



Mr. S. Engaged! I assure you Jane, I'm not 
engaged. My wife died four years ago. 

Aunt J. Yes, but your son said you were en- 
gaged to — Mrs. Leslie. 

Mr. S. Eh what? My son said— well upon my 
word my son takes great liberties with me. 
(Aside.) I see, the widow turned up, and not 
knowing what to do he's put her off on me! (To 
her.) No, Jane, its a mistake, I'm not engaged to 
any one; I came here to see the— old place once 
more! 

Aunt J. I'm glad to welcome you to my home 
again. (Goes to door.) Come with me into the 
garden, let me show you the improvements I have 
made. 

Mr. S. (Following her.) Yes, yes, its just like 
home to be here, Jane. 

Aunt J. (At the door.) I'm glad to hear you 
say that, Harry. 

Mr. S. (As they go together.) And you, Jane, 
you have changed very little. (Exit both; door 
at right opens, and Jack puts his head in and 
looks about, then enters, stands his gun in the 
corner and puts his hat on the table.) 

Jack. Its no use; its all up with me; I can't 
shoot, can't eat, can't sleep, can't live, can't die. 
Don't know what to do; after thinking I was 
among strangers, to find they all know me, know 
more about me than I know about myself. Oh its 

59 



awful! What shall I do? Even if I told Con- 
stance the truth about that Lake George affair, 
(James is seen coming in at the door at back) 
she'd always think I was in love with her— damned 
aunt! (James coughs; Jack turns and sees him.) 
Well, what do you want? 

James. I just thought I'd ask you, sir — 

Jack. Well, you can't ask me, do you see? Get 
out, and leave me to my misery ; get out ! 

James. Yes sir, but its about Lotty, sir, she's 
been crying all day and I just wanted to ask if 
she really was engaged to you; you see she's a 
good girl, and I haven't spoken to her since — be- 
cause — 

Jack. (Angrily.) No, she never was engaged to 
me, its a damned lie ; take her, run away with her, 
and the quicker you go the better it will suit me! 

James. Oh thank you, sir, (going) the — er lady 
— didn't die, did she, sir? 

Jack. (Angrily.) Get out! 

James. (At door.) Yes sir. (Exit James.) 

Jack. (Walking about.) I'll go too, that wi!l 
be the best thing for me to do, I'll get out! 
(Stops.) Oh, I don't know what to do! (Sits 
down and covers his face with his hands; Con- 
stance appears at back and looks at him ; he 
doesn't see her.) I'm the unluckiest, most abject 
wretch on the face of the earth; how can I get 
these people out of the house? (Rises, Constance 

60 



disappears.) I have an idea ! (He smiles.) Splen- 
did, I'll do it ! I'll send a telegram to Dick in New 
York. (Takes a paper out of his pocket, and a 
pencil; writes:) *^To Mr. Richard Sherwood, 
New York, the widow is here, telegraph her that 
she is wanted in New York on business, and save 
me; get her away, I don't care how. Jack." 
(^Dick opens door at back; Jack doesn't see him.) 
Now that's an idea; with the widow ovtt of the 
house I can soon regain my position. (Turns and 
sees Dick.) 

Dick. How are you, old man? 

Jack. (Groaning.) On damn, damn, damn! 
Why couldn't you have stayed where you be- 
longed ? 

Dick. (Coming dow^n.) Well, upon my word, 
that's a nice welcome. I supposed you'd be glad 
to see me. Here I am among strangers, and you 
the only one I knew to treat me like this— you 
know how it is yourself, you came here a stranger. 

Jack. Yes, I supposed I did, but I tell you man, 
everybody I ever heard of, or spoke to, or knew is 
here in this house. I'm not at all surprised to see 
you. 

Dick. Well, I understood your father was here, 
and it was him that I wanted to see particularl3^ 

Jack. Is my father here too .^ 

Dick. I believe he came up on the last train 
before me. 



61 



Jack. Is that so? Oh, I'm not surprised, he was 
the only person I knew who was not here; oh I 
suppose he's here, everybody's here; the widow 
and Lotty are here, (Dick laughs) I expect to see 
the ghosts of my ancestors to-night. 

Dick. Why what in the world's the matter 
with you, old man, you seem upset. 

Jack. (Laughing wildly.) Upset? Oh, no, 
I'm not upset, why what should upset me? 

Dick. I came to tell you a piece of news; I'm 
engaged! (Jack sits down and groans.) Well, 
that's a fine why to do ; haven't you anything to 
say, aren't you going to congratulate me ? 

Jack. I beg your pardon, old man, but I'm in 
the most awful box, and I thought perhaps you'd 
take the widow off my hands, but if you're en- 
gaged, I suppose you wont. 

Dick. Sorry, old chap, but it's quite out of the 
question; as long as you haven't asked me to 
whom I'm engaged, I'll tell you. To your sister. 

Jack. To Polly? Well! 

Dick. Yes, to Polly, bless her heart ! 

Jack. Here's my blessing, (They shake hands.) 
but you really must excuse me if I seem to act 
peculiarly, but I believe I hate the sound of the 
word engagement. 

Dick. Oh, you needn't apologize, I know you've 
been engaged a good deal ; but I want the consent 
of your father. (Mrs. L. opens door at back and 
comes in, smiling.) Ah, there is — Mrs. Leslie. 

62 



Jack. (Groans.) Oh, is she coming? 

Mrs. L. (Coming down.) Well, here wc are 
again ; how do you do, Mr. Sherwood ? 

Dick. How do you do? Do you know whether 
Mr. Schuyler is here ? 

Mrs. L. Yes, he's in the garden with Miss 
Pearce, you go and find him while I talk to— Jack. 

Jack. Oh, no, I must go, must see a — man. 

Mrs. L. (Taking him by the arm.) Well, you 
must see a woman first. 

Jack. Oh, ladies first, of course. Dick! 

Dick. I'll leave 3^ou now. (At the door; Jack 
makes imploring gestures to him ; he shakes his 
head, smiling.) Perhaps I may see you before I 
go back. (Exit Dick.) 

Mrs. L. I just wanted to see you on a matter 
of business ; you see, Jack, I've been trying to find 
you for five years to say — 

Jack. Yes, say it, out with it; put me out of 
my agony ; I'm prepared for anything. 

Mrs. L. Well, the truth is. Jack, you do very 
well fi^r the summer, lor the warm months, but for 
a steady thing I've decided that for the vicissi- 
tudes, and changes and chances of this life, that I 
want something a little heavier, a little more 
substantial — 

Jack. Will you please tell me what you are 
talking about it ? 

Mrs. L. Oh can't you guess? You're so obtuse, 
Jack. 

63 



Jack. I wish you'd get out what you're trying 
to say. 

Mrs. L. Yes, but before I go on with what I 
want to say, I wish you'd tell me, Jack, what 
made you leave Lake George in such a mysterious 
manner, several years ago ? 

Jack. (Groaning.) Oh never mind that now, 
its over and done with, but I suppose I might just 
as well have stayed — 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Yes, I suppose you might; 
but Jack if you had only come to me instead of 
running away, I would have made it all right ; 
there never was anything mean about me, you 
know that. How jealous you were Jack, it was 
simply delightful ! (She laughs.) 

Jack. Oh yes, it w^as perfectly delightful! 
(Laughs wildly.) 

Mrs. L. But I hope. Jack, that you never 
thought I took you seriousl3^ I never for one 
moment regarded you except in the light of a good 
joke, indeed I did not ; (laughing) you were a sort 
of summer opera to me. Jack ! ( Goes close to him . ) 
You never have — er — worried about this, have 
you. Jack? 

Jack. Oh no, I never worry about anything; 
I'm so used to trouble now that nothing matters. 
But you were saying — 

Mrs. L. (Meditatively.) How you did love 
me! (Laughs.) But there is not the slightest 

6i 



reason to worry, for things always come out 
right, you know. 

Jack. It depends very much upon what you call 
right. Its too late for them to come out right for 
me; I'm in too deep a hole. (Walks about.) Oh 
if I only — 

Mrs. L. Well if you'll only keep quiet and not 
get so excited, I will tell you how you can — oh 
well I might as well begin all over again — you see 
Jack, I've changed my mind. 

Jack. (Desperately.) What are you driving at? 

Mrs. L. Oh, don't you see? I'm trying to 
break it to you gently. Ever since I met you at 
Lake George, Jack, I've been trying to find you to 
break our engagement ; do you see now, stupid. 

Jack. (Smiling ) I see. (Aside.) I'd have let 
her find me before now if I'd known that ! 

Mrs. L. Yes, Jack, you'll do for picnics and 
lakes, and that sort of thing, you know, but for 
life, oh no ! Oh, there was something else I wanted 
to say. 

Jack. Yes, go on. (Aside.) I wonder if she 
wants it on again ! 

Mrs. L. You see, Jack, I saw how it was with 
you and Constance, and fearing that I might have 
made some trouble for you, I went to Constance 
and told her all about Lake George, only I said 
that you didn't care a rap about me — 

Jack. (Smiling.) You said that, did you ? 
Mrs. L. Yes, I said that; I can do those things 

65 



once in a while. (Smiling.) I said nothing about 
"Scaling mountain heights, swimming rivers," 
etc. (He laughs.) I said that you never loved 
but one, and that was — 

Jack. Yes, but one, and that was — go on. 

Mrs. L. And that was she! Oh, yes, I said 
that, and I did the square thing by you. Jack, I 
got you out of this horrid mess, and so. go in and 
w^in, and take the blessing of your — aunt — to be! 

Jack. (Smiling.) Well, you are a good sort; 
now say, Mrs. Leslie, that was downright decent 
of you, it was, upon my word. But I hope you 
don't think I'm a bad sort of chap ? 

Mrs. L. Oh, not at all; you made one summer 
pass, you'll do very well; but make haste, Con- 
stance is waiting for you in the summer-house, 
don't waste time. 

Jack, (going.) Waste time, not I! (Lott}^ 
comes in at right and he nearly lalls over her as 
he rushes out.) Now confound it, w^hat do you 
want? 

Lotty. (Handkerchief to her eyes.) I want you 
to tell — James — that I never was engaged to — 
you, that's what I want. 

Jack. I did tell him, now get out of m}^ sight, 
I'm in a hurry. (Exit Jack.) 

Lotty. (To Mrs. L.) Well, are you engaged to 
him now? 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) No, my child, I think you 
and I have gotten rid of him —forever. 

66 



Lottv. This is good news— for James; I'll go 
and find him. (Exit Lotty at left ; enter aunt J. 
and Mr. S. at right.) 

Aunt J. Oh Charlotte, here's Mr. Schuyler. 

Mrs. L. Introduce me, Jane, introduce me. 

Aunt J. Why this is strange, I thought you 
were — 

Mrs. L. (Smiling.) Never mind that, introduce 
me just the same. 

Aunt J. Harry, this is Charlotte, Mrs. Leslie. 

Mr. S. How do you do, Mrs. Leslie, I think I 
have had the pleasure before. 

Mrs. L. Yes, your face is famiHar to me, (aside 
to him ) father ! ( They both laugh. ) 

Aunt J. Shall I leave you alone together? 

Mr. S. (Quickly.) Oh no, I pray you not! 

Mrs. L. Oh no, on the contrary, call the others 
in, I have an announcement to make. 

Aunt J. (Going to door.) I will call them. 

Mrs. L. And where is Mr. Sherwood? 

Mr. S. Oh he went back at once, he's engaged 
to my little girl, and of course he could not waste 
time. 

Mrs. L. Oh of course not; you know how it is 
yourself, eh father? (She laughs. Jack and 
Constance come in at right, and Lotty and James 
at left.) Oh there you are ! 

Jack. Father, this is Constance. 

Constance. (Going to him.) How do you do, 

67 



Mr. Schuyler, I am so glad to see vou. (Aside.) 
Did you get my letter ? 

Mr. S. Yes, and (smiling) you may have — Jack! 

Constance. Oh the bad boy, did he send that? 
Lott}^, have you good news, your face shines. 

Lotty. Yes, ma'am, if you please, James, you 
see, ma'am. 

Aunt J. Well, that is very nice, but James, I 
hope you will be a good sober man and always be 
kind to Lotty. 

Lotty. (James much embarassed.) Yes ma'am 
he will, ma'am. (Walks by Mr. S.) How do you 
do papa? 

Mr. S. Eh, what? Oh yes, I see. Well, Jack, 
you ought to be a very happy man, sir. 

Jack. I am sir, I am, thanks to — whom Con- 
stance ? 

Constance. (Going to her.) Thanks to aunt 
Charlotte ! 

Mrs. L. Don't mention it, my dears, and now 
for my news. I'm to be married too ! 

Mr. S. (Aside to aunt J.) We'll be left to our- 
selves yet, Jane. 

Aunt J. Yes, Harry; but Charlotte, who is it? 

Jack and Constance. Yes, who is he? 

Mrs. L. You can never guess ! 

Jack. (To Constance.) Not to me. dear, I 
swear it ! 

Mr. S. Not to me, Jane! 

68 



Mrs. L. No indeed. To the Count von Hart of 
Vienna. ( They crowd about her. ) He wants me 
— very much; and I want — foreign travel — very 
much. (She laughs.) 

Mr. S. And now for me, I also, am to be mar- 
ried ! (Aunt J. nervous.) 

Jack. You, father to whom ? 

Mr. S. (Bowing before aunt J.) To you, Jane, 
if you will have me. After all these years my 
heart has returned to its allegiance. What say 
you, Jane? 

Aunt J. (Smiling.) You know my feelings, 
Harry ! (He kisses her hand.) 

Mrs. L. Now everything is lovely; but what's 
the moral of all this ? 

Aunt J. (Smiling.) That hearts never grow 
old! 

Jack. That what a tangled web we weave, 
when first we practice to deceive — 

Mr. S. (Smiling.) Widows, eh my boy? 

Constance. That love is the best thing after all! 

Lotty. That the darkest day is just before the 
dawn; eh, James? 

James. That's so, that's so ! 

Mrs. L. And that widows are of some use in 
the world, if only to — 

Jack. To stir things up ! 

CURTAIN. 

C. M. B. July, 1895. 

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